appendix e biological data collection reports - dillon

APPENDIX E

BIOLOGICAL DATA COLLECTION REPORTS - DILLON CONSULTING

Biological Data Collection Fall 2000, Spring, Summer, Fall 2001 Flintstone Rock Site (Final Report) October 2001

Our File: 00-8392-0200 Issued to MGI Limited Submitted by: Dillon Consulting Limited

L:\PROJECTS\FINAL\008392\text \Backup of Biological Data Collection Report (Final).wbk

October 24, 2001 MGI LIMITED 31 Gloster Court Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1X9 ATTENTION: Mr. Peter Oram Biological Data Collection Fall 2000, Spring, Summer, Fall 2001 - Flintstone Rock Site - Final We are pleased to provide this final copy of our biological data collection report. If you have any questions, please contact the undersigned. Yours truly, DILLON CONSULTING LIMITED Karen L. March, M.Sc. Project Manager KLM:keb Our File: 00-8392-0200

Biological Data Collection Fall 2000, Spring, Summer, Fall 2001 Flintstone Rock Site - Final Report October 2001

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Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................................1

2.0 Aquatic Biological Data ........................................................................................................6

2.1 Aquatic Fish and Fish Habitat Surveys.........................................................................6

2.2 Aquatic Setting...........................................................................................................6

2.3 Clyde River Habitat Survey .........................................................................................7

2.4 East Barclay Brook Habitat and Fish Survey ................................................................8

2.5 Barclay Brook Habitat and Fish Survey........................................................................9

2.6 Upper Frog Pond and connection to Lower Frog Pond ................................................11

2.7 Lower Frog Pond Habitat Survey ...............................................................................12

3.0 Terrestrial Biological Data..................................................................................................13

3.1 Flora and Fauna Surveys ...........................................................................................13

3.2 Terrestrial Setting and Flora ......................................................................................13

3.3 General Fauna ..........................................................................................................14

3.4 Migratory Birds........................................................................................................14

3.5 Reptiles and Amphibians...........................................................................................15

3.6 Wetlands ..................................................................................................................16

4.0 Species at Risk ....................................................................................................................19

4.1 Plant Species ............................................................................................................19

4.2 Animal Species ........................................................................................................24

References ...............................................................................................................28


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List of Figures:

Figure 1 Study Area .....................................................................................................................2 Figure 2 Aquatic Habitat ..............................................................................................................3 Figure 3 Terrestrial Habitat...........................................................................................................4 Figure 4 Wetlands ........................................................................................................................5

List of Tables:

Table 1 Summary of Wetlands Potentially within the Active Portion of the Lease Area.....................17 Table 2 Potential at Risk Plant Species in the General Vicinity of the Study Area .............................19 Table 3 Potential at Risk Animal Species in the General Vicinity of the Site .....................................24

List of Appendices:

Appendix A Site Photographs Appendix B Fish Habitat Survey Sheets Appendix C Fishing Data Appendix D Plant Survey Reports Appendix E Fauna Field Survey Reports Appendix F Wetland Airphotos Appendix G Nova Scotia Museum Screening Appendix H Moose Data Appendix I NSDNR Raptor Guidelines


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1.0 Introduction

The Flintstone Rock area is currently being investigated by Black Bull Resources Inc. (Black Bull) to

determine potential for quartz and kaolin resource development and is referred to as the White Rock

Mine. As a component of environmental baseline data collection at the Yarmouth Claim Block, biology

field investigations were undertaken in the fall of 2000 and spring, summer and fall of 2001. Work was

conducted for MGI Limited (MGI) who are managing all permitting related matters associated with the

White Rock Mine. Investigations undertaken included:

• a baseline assessment of fish habitat and fish species in East Barclay Brook, Barclay Brook and

tributaries identified at 1:10 000 scale within the study area;

• an assessment of fish habitat in Lower and Upper Frog Ponds;

• an assessment of fish habitat at the Clyde River, at an upstream and generally downstream

location, and a determination of fisheries from existing information;

• herpetile and breeding bird surveys as well as incidental wildlife observations; and

• an initial evaluation of potential for species at risk for the study area based on existing

information and targeted field surveys, including botany surveys.

The location of the study area features that are the focus of this work is provided on Figure 1. Figure 2

illustrates aquatic habitat features, Figure 3 illustrates terrestrial habitat features and Figure 4 outlines

wetlands. Site photographs are provided in Appendix A.


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2.0 Aquatic Biological Data

2.1 Aquatic Fish and Fish Habitat Surveys

Fish habitat examined in the fall of 2000 and spring/summer 2001 included East Barclay Brook, Barclay

Brook and the Clyde River as well as Upper and Lower Frog Ponds. Habitat assessments were conducted

using standard DFO parameters. Electrofishing was conducted in East Barclay and Barclay Brooks (fall

2000). Water levels were generally unsuitable for electrofishing in the Clyde River and Frog Ponds at all

survey times. Supplemental angling and minnow trap surveys were also conducted. Habitat and fish

survey sites, habitat features, watershed boundaries and surface water sampling sites (collected by MGI

and reported separately) are located on Figure 2. Habitat survey details are provided in Appendix B and

electrofishing data in Appendix C. Peter Winchester (DFO Southern Nova Scotia Area Habitat

Coordinator) was present during the assessment of portions of East Barclay Brook, the Clyde River and

the Frog Ponds (fall 2000 and June and August 2001). Reg Sweeney (Habitat Management Branch) and

Richard Dollimount (Fisheries Officer) were also present for a survey of the Frog Ponds (June 2001).

Fall surveys in September and October 2000 were conducted in moderate flow conditions. Surveys

conducted in early June 2001, were during high flow conditions and surveys in late August 2001 were

during low flow conditions.

2.2 Aquatic Setting

The Flintstone Rock Claim Block area is located within the headwaters of the Clyde River watershed.

Surface water from the site drains south-southeast. No drainage is toward the Tusket River watershed. A

small eastern portion of the Claim Block and study area is within the main Clyde River watershed. Site

activity is generally not proposed for this main Clyde River watershed. The majority of the eastern

portion of the claim is within the Barclay and East Barclay Brooks subwatershed. A small wedge of the

central portion of the claim drains to the Freeman and Silver Lakes subwatershed of the Clyde River,

while the majority of the western portion of the claim (including Upper and Lower Frog Ponds) drains to

the Davis River subwatershed of the Clyde River.

Many shallow irregular lakes are scattered throughout the larger Clyde River watershed, particularly in

the upper reaches. Most of these lakes are upgradient of work proposed for the site. Water is typically

acidic, reflecting the poor buffering capacity of shallow soils, granitic till and granitic bedrock. Swales,


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swamps and bogs are also prevalent and contribute organic matter and often a dark colour to surface

waters.

The Clyde River is one of the many southwestern Nova Scotia rivers affected by acid precipitation and

poor natural buffering. Although the Clyde was naturally acidic and had low productivity, historically

populations of Atlantic salmon were sustained (Farmer et al. 1980). Since the 1950's the pH in the Clyde

has declined below 5 units, which is generally unsuitable for natural salmon production. Recent angling

catches of over 50 salmon (grilse and salmon) (DFO Atlantic Salmon Sport Catch Statistics 1996-98)

have occurred in downstream reaches due to release of put-and-take hatchery raised smolts. These fish are

not expected to enter higher reaches due to the low pH. The main Clyde River provides good brook trout

habitat in many areas throughout its length, however, production is limited by low pH. A spring sea-run

of brook trout and salmon habitat also occur in the lower reaches. Brook trout habitat in the vicinity of

Flintstone Rock depends to some extent on the pH of the local tributaries. The main branch of the Clyde

River upstream of the lakes (Barclay and Long Lake) is reported to be less productive than areas along the

Davis River and Clam Lake Branches (pers. comm. P. Winchester). Gaspereau and smelt are not known

to travel up as far as the Flintstone Rock area. Eels, yellow perch and minnows occur throughout the

system.

The Clyde River Committee (CRC) has an interest in protection of the watershed. The Committee has

been involved in river enhancement projects, typically in the lower portion of the river (including liming

efforts and construction of a fishway at Sutherlands Mill). Dillon understands that Black Bull and the

CRC have had meetings to discuss common goals.

2.3 Clyde River Habitat Survey

The Clyde River originates in Clyde Lake over 5 km upstream of the claim area and drains to the Atlantic

Ocean over 50 km downstream at Port Clyde. Habitat within this river was examined upstream of the

study area at SW1 (surface water sampling site) and in the downstream reaches of the study area at the

Route 203 crossing during high and low flows. Sampling site SW1 is upstream of the proposed extraction

area and outside of the proposed lease area. Much of the Clyde River is too deep to electrofish due to

large size (even during periods of low flow) and beaver dammed stillwaters. An angling survey in August

2001 at sites SW1 and SW2 captured no fish. Low water levels and beaver obstructions throughout the

Clyde River system likely contributed to limited fish presence at this time.

Upstream of the SW1 site, a shrub bog stillwater occurs (Photo 1). The stillwater areas are generally 8-15

m wide with a mud dominated bottom and open cover. Downstream of the SW1 site, a boulder garden run

occurred in the fall of 2000 (Photo 2). However, by August 2001, numerous beaver dams were


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established in this area and stillwater habitat occurred throughout. The beaver dams partially restrict fish

passage. During the low flow period, depth maintained by the dams was only 20 - 50 cm less than during

fall high flows (Photo 53). The stillwater extends for over 500 m downstream. Bottom substrate is

dominated by mud with boulders, mixed with cobble, gravel and sand. Shoreline vegetation is represented

by more conifers on the east bank and shrub on the west banks.

The Clyde River at the Highway 203 crossing, which is situated just outside of the claim block, is

predominately a stillwater extending from the bridge over 500 m upstream of the road (Photo 3) and over

200 m downstream of the road (Photo 4). Conditions during low flow were similar to high flow due to

beaver damming (Photo 54). Approximately 20 m downstream of the road, an old bridge footing and

beaver blockage create a riffle and the pool downstream is reported to provide spring brook trout habitat.

In the summer of 2001 a beaver dam was noted at the end of the stillwater that creating a partial

obstruction to passage (Photo 55). Bottom substrate is dominated by mud with boulders, mixed with

cobble, gravel and sand. Shoreline vegetation is dominated by shrubs. Downstream of the stillwater, a

braid occurs in the stream and the stream narrows and steepens for approximately 150 m prior to entering

another stillwater. The steeper area is expected to provide spring rearing areas and potentially spawning

areas for brook trout. Bottom substrate consists of boulder, rock and cobble, with gravel and sand (Photo

56). Bank vegetation includes deciduous trees, shrubs and herbaceous cover.

Surface water chemistry (MGI on-going data collection reported separately) at SW1 and SW2

(downstream of Highway 203) is typical of the area. Water is characterized by low pH (4.1-4.8 units

except during April 2000), high iron (exceeding Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment

Freshwater Aquatic Life Guidelines - CCME FWAL occasionally at SW1), high aluminum (exceeding

FWAL guidelines), generally low nutrients and high colour. The pH at SW1 is generally slightly higher

than at SW2. Other occasional exceedances include a slight copper FWAL exceedance SW2 on one

occasion, slight lead exceedances at SW1 and SW2, a slight cadmium exceedance and a slight zinc

exceedance at SW2. This low pH, low nutrient water reduces brook trout production, however, brook

trout in the area are known to be adapted to low pH and the habitat is suitable for adults and juvenile

rearing. Potential for spawning habitat may be present if higher pH groundwater seeps/springs or inflows

occur.

2.4 East Barclay Brook Habitat and Fish Survey

East Barclay Brook originates in the Flintstone Rock area, near the northern edge of the study area. The

brook travels approximately 2 km across the study area and joins Barclay Brook over 2.5 km downstream

of the southern edge of the study area. Another 1.5 km downstream, Barclay Brook joins the Clyde River

at Barclay Lake.


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The portion of East Barclay Brook within the study area is high within the watershed and has a small

contributing area. Generally much of this section of the watercourse has low flow and supports limited

fish habitat. Habitat in the upstream reaches (examined in August 2001) is seasonally dry except in the

stillwaters and even these have too little flow to support salmonids in the summer (Photos 57 and 58).

In the central study area and downstream under moderate to high flow conditions, the watercourse was

generally under 2 m wide with less than 25 cm depth. Stream character is predominantly riffle, however,

numerous stillwater shrub wetland areas occur. Photos 5 through 16 show habitat features as noted in the

October 2000 habitat assessment. Photo 51 shows flow in June 2001 and Photo 59 flow in August 2001.

Coarse sand is a dominant substrate type except in the stillwaters where mud tends to occur. The

stillwater areas and approaches may support brook trout during higher flow periods. However, good

brook trout habitat was not observed upstream of the pond (near surface water sampling station SW4).

The small tributary entering East Barclay Brook in the vicinity of the SW4 station has limited fish habitat.

This tributary is very small (less than 1.5 m wide in November) and generally steep with numerous small

debris blockages and root obstructions (Photo 17).

Spot electrofishing conducted along approximately one kilometer of East Barclay Brook from the

stillwater above the ATV trail to the pond near the southern border resulted in the capture of no fish

(Figure 2, E002-005). Brook trout were captured within the pond and numerous brook trout were captured

approximately 100 m downstream of the pond (Figure 2, E001). The area downstream of the pond has

good potential for spawning and rearing habitat.

Surface water chemistry (MGI on-going data collection reported separately) at SW3 and SW4 is typical

of the area. Water is characterized by low pH (4.1-5.0 units upstream and 4.1-5.3 units downstream), high

aluminum (exceeding FWAL guidelines), generally low nutrients and high colour. Occasional slight

FWAL exceedances were noted for copper, iron and lead. The pH, particularly in downstream reaches, is

slightly higher than the main Clyde River, improving potential for brook trout production.

2.5 Barclay Brook Habitat and Fish Survey

The main Barclay Brook originates over 1 km to the west of East Barclay Brook, also near the northern

edge of the study area. This brook and a small tributary travel approximately 2 km across the study area

and join near the southern study boundary. Over 5 km downstream of the southern study boundary,

Barclay Brook joins with East Barclay Brook. An additional 1.5 km downstream, Barclay Brook joins the

Clyde River at Barclay Lake.


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Within the study area, Barclay Brook is similar to East Barclay Brook. Photos 18 through 26 illustrate

habitat features as noted in the October 2000 habitat assessment in the vicinity of the ATV trail. Photos

60 to 68 show conditions in August 2001 generally downstream of the 2000 habitat assessment. Flows

appear to be slightly higher in Barclay Brook than East Barclay, reflecting a larger contributing

watershed. A large stillwater shrub wetland occurs just upstream of the ATV trail. The watercourse

upstream of this wetland is generally less than 1 m wide with limited fish habitat and low flows (Photos

69 and 18 and 19). Within the stillwater area, the watercourse is often over 5 m wide and 1 m deep and

has some potential for seasonal brook trout use, however, access to this area may be limited by the

approximately 150 m steep riffle section from the wetland downstream to a small pond. The watercourse

in the riffle section was generally 3-5 m wide with less than 25 cm depth during the October (moderate to

high flow period) survey. Photos 22, 52 and 60 show October, July and August flows at the ATV trail.

Boulder and rock were the dominant substrate type with sections of sand and gravel. Mud dominated the

stillwater/pond bottoms. The stillwater and pond areas and approaches may support brook trout during

higher flow periods, however access from downstream habitat is difficult. Fish were not observed at the

time of the survey.

Downstream of the small pond (approximately 120 m downstream of the ATV trail), the habitat is

similar; typically steep boulders until a large wetland pond (SB on Figure 2, approximately 200 m

downstream of ATV trail). Several beaver dams at the outlet limit fish passage during low flow. The next

200 m downstream (to the next wetland pond), is also characterized by steep slopes, boulder/rock/cobble

substrate and low summer flows.

A tributary to Barclay Brook joins the main Barclay Brook at this second pond. This tributary originates

less than 1 km upstream of the cutline. Upstream of the cutline, the watercourse is very small (less than

1.5 m bankfull width) and flows through moss covered rocks within a fairly steep channel, providing

limited fish habitat (Photo 27). Downstream of the cutline the tributary watercourse enters a fen stillwater

approximately 100 m long (Photo 28). A small fish (probably a brook trout) was observed at the upstream

end of the fen. This downstream portion supports fish habitat at least during higher flow seasons. This

tributary was also examined downstream of the fen where the bankfull width is 1-2 m and depth is up to

35 cm in small pools. Gradient is moderate and riffle substrate dominates (Photo 50). Habitat in this area

is expected to be limited by low summer flows and depth, although refuge habitat is available in the

upstream fen.

Spot electrofishing conducted along approximately 30 m section in the upstream portion of the main

Barclay Brook watershed (Figure 2, E007 near station SW5) captured no fish. Spot electrofishing along

Barclay Brook within the 200 m section between the large wetland and the pond downstream of the ATV

trail (Figure 2, E006) captured an eel and several frogs.


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Surface water chemistry (MGI on-going data collection reported separately) at SW5 and SW6 for summer

2000 is typical of the area. Water is characterized by low pH (4.3-4.4 units), high aluminum (exceeding

FWAL guidelines), generally low nutrients and high colour. Slight FWAL exceedances occurred for lead

(as well as one anomalous higher value). The low pH, low nutrient water combined with low flows limits

brook trout production.

2.6 Upper Frog Pond and connection to Lower Frog Pond

Upper Frog Pond is a small pond within 1 km of the headwaters of the Davis River tributary and

approximately 2 km upstream of Lower Frog Pond (Photo 45). The Davis River joins the Clyde River

over 15 km downstream of the study area.

The watercourse entering Upper Frog Pond is very small and portions (excluding stillwaters) are expected

to be intermittent during low flow. Upper Frog Pond is approximately 300 m long by 100 m wide and

generally less than 1.5 m deep (during moderate June flow levels). Small shrub bog areas occur in the

inlet area and in the eastern corner of the pond. The remaining shoreline is dominated by granitic boulders

with minor amounts of sedges and rushes between boulders and shrub back from the pond edge. Boulders

extend throughout the pond bottom, however mud deposits and associated lily areas occur in the central

portion of the pond. A June angling survey (2 surveys of 45 minutes each) and minnow trap sets (2.5

hours) captured no fish. However, log books from the cabin located approximately 700 m to the east of

the pond indicated over a dozen brook trout had been captured in May. A surface water sample taken at

the pond outlet (SW8) has similar characteristics to the Barclay Brooks water. The pH is low (4.9 units),

aluminum concentrations exceed freshwater aquatic life (FWAL) guidelines, colour is high and nutrient

levels are low.

The outlet tributary to the pond was also examined. This watercourse is generally 1-4 m wide and 0.1-0.3

m deep. For approximately 200 m downstream of the pond the dominant stream character is riffle,

although short run/flats areas are also present (Photo 46). Forest cover consists of mixed woods (spruce,

fir, maple). Moss and sparse ferns occur along the watercourse banks. The dominant bottom substrate

varies from boulder in steeper areas to granite gravel in less steep areas. A minnow trap set within a run

area (approximately 2 hours) captured no fish. A cabin occurs near the watercourse in this area. There is

evidence of beaver throughout the area.

Approximately 200 m downstream of the pond a large stillwater and surrounding shrub bog (with a small

blue-joint meadow at the entrance) occurs (Photo 47). At this location, a small (approximately 12 cm)

brook trout was captured in an angling survey. The stillwater is generally 2-4 m wide, 0.5-0.8 m deep, has


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an organic bottom and extends for over 300 m downstream. The remaining section downstream to Lower

Frog Pond is dominated by shrub bordered stillwaters (approximately 1.3 km of the remaining 1.7 km).

A small tributary to the connector between Upper and Lower Frog Pond was also crossed within a

stillwater area (Photo 48). The cabin noted above as occurring east of Upper Frog Pond is located on the

east side of this tributary. This area has potential for brook trout habitat, although passage may be limited

at times of low flow. A minnow trap survey in this watercourse (3 hours) captured no fish.

Brook trout use the Upper Frog Pond area during times of moderate to high water levels. During low

water levels it is expected that fish seek refuge in the stillwaters or even Lower Frog Pond. Areas with

spawning habitat occurs downstream of Upper Frog Pond within the deeper riffle areas and potentially in

the stillwaters and ponds if higher pH seeps occur. The slightly higher pH in Upper Frog Pond may

contribute to habitat quality in the pond and immediately downstream. Fish passage upstream of Upper

Frog Pond is limited during all but high flow. Low summer flows may restrict passage in the non-

stillwater areas throughout the watershed. This Upper Frog Pond area appears to support a moderate level

of spring fishing effort (as well as fall hunting).

2.7 Lower Frog Pond Habitat Survey

Lower Frog Pond is located within the southwestern portion of the study area. The pond flows into the

Davis River and eventually the Clyde River, over 15 km downstream of the southern claim boundary. The

pond is generally 100 m wide by 500 m long within a shrub wetland. Photos 29 through 35 and 49

illustrate Lower Frog Pond Habitat features. Stillwater areas extend upstream and downstream. Unless

extensive obstructions or poor water quality occur, the pond and stillwaters are expected to support brook

trout and minnows. A June angling survey (20 minutes) and minnow trap survey (3 traps, 1 hour)

captured no fish. It is reported (pers. comm., P. Tufts) that the fishing within this pond is better than in the

smaller, seasonally shallow Upper Frog Pond. Surface water chemistry at SW9 and Frog Pond sites (MGI

on-going data collection reported separately) was again similar to the other watercourses in the area. The

pH varies from 4.3 to 4.7 units, aluminium exceeds FWAL guidelines and colour is high. A very slight

lead FWAL exceedance occurred in one sample.


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3.0 Terrestrial Biological Data

3.1 Flora and Fauna Surveys

Botany surveys were conducted in the late fall of 2000 and summer of 2001. Surveys included a

centerline transect walk and targeted surveys to representative habitat types present on site. Fauna surveys

were conducted in the summer of 2000 as noted below.

Figure 3 illustrates terrestrial features. Appendices D and E provide field reports.

3.2 Terrestrial Setting and Flora

The study area is predominantly in the Flintstone Barrens ecoregion area. A small portion of the eastern

study area is within the Dog Lake Semi-Barrens. The Tobeatic Wilderness Area (TWA) is located in the

eastern corner of the study area. The Wilderness Area is protected as representative of Western Granite

Plain and Roseway Glacial Drift Landscape. Ecosystem features include glacial features, barrens and

semi-barrens, moose and bear habitat, large wetlands, old forest and coastal plains elements and a

headwater of several major rivers and large wilderness area. The Shelburne Barren Site of Ecological

Significance (SES) has been provisionally redefined based on NSDNR/NSDOEL (Protected Areas

Division) field investigations and Integrated Resource Management review (MacKinnon 1998) and is

located approximately 1 km south of the study area along Barclay and East Barclay Brooks and the Clyde

River. This SES is a candidate for designation as a nature reserve. The Indian Fields Provincial Park

Reserve is also located in this general area, over 2 km south of the study area.

The Flintstone Barrens is an area of hummocky undulating terrain with low granitic bedrock controlled

hills and ridges. Intervening low areas have bogs, swales, fens, streams and imperfectly drained flats.

Erratic boulders are abundant and soils dominated by sand with gravel/cobble/boulder (MacKinnon

1998). The barrens are characterized by vegetation suited to the thin granitic soil, areas of exposed granite

bedrock, forest fires, leaching due to low fertility and establishment of heath vegetation (Davis and

Browne 1997). Heath vegetation such as huckleberries and lambkill dominate the upland barrens having a

patchy distribution. Along the hummock tops, open areas of exposed bedrock barrens are dominated by

lichen-bearberry-broom crowberry associations. As fires tend to be controlled, some of the barrens areas

are slowly developing forest cover resulting in semi-barrens habitat. Semi-barrens habitats tend to be a

mix of huckleberry-lambkill and white pine-black spruce-intolerant hardwoods trees. Forest vegetation,

dominated by red maple, occurs in drainage swales (stream valley corridors and red maple or alder


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cinnamon fern-sphagnum swamps). Wet areas have black spruce and tamarack in addition to red maple.

Small ericaceous shrub wetlands are prevalent throughout the area. One small fen was observed along a

Barclay Brook tributary.

The Dog Lake Semi-barrens, along the southern portion of East Barclay Brook and the Clyde River, is an

undulating plain with a shallow iron pan and imperfectly drained soil (MacKinnon 1998). Vegetation is a

typically a mix of black spruce and ericaceous shrub semi-barren.

The majority of the forest cover within the study area is within the 30 to 60 year age class (NSDNR

2001). Four small stands within the 75-85 year age class are located to the south of the lease area (Figure

3).

The botany field survey reports (November 2000 and summer 2001) detail plants found in each of the

generalized habitats identified and note significant plants found (Appendix D). Photos 36 through 44

illustrate the various habitats. Additional botany surveys were conducted to further assess potential for

rare species (Section 4). Further descriptions of floral elements in the general area are found in Hagreen

(1999) and MacKinnon (1998).

3.3 General Fauna

Barrens and semi-barrens are typically unproductive for wildlife habitat, with the exception of some small

mammals and moose. Semi-aquatic wildlife are expected to include beaver, otter, muskrat and waterfowl

(Davis and Browne 1997). Waterfowl production is generally low due to low fertility of wetlands and

watercourses.

Fauna observed during the field surveys is typical of the habitats encountered. Snowshoe hare and bobcat

appeared to be fairly abundant. The berry production within the barrens area shrubs also likely supports a

good black bear and fox population. Appendix E lists the fauna observed.

3.4 Migratory Birds

A breeding bird survey was conducted at the study area on June 10, 2001 between 3 am and 12 pm. The

survey consisted of a series of listening posts at a variety of habitat types extending along the center of the

study area and along Highway 203. The survey concentrated on the barrens area and associated shrub

bogs, and on the Barclay Brook treed corridors. However, one listening post was established at the

forested area to the west of Barclay Brook, and surveys along Highway 203 were extended to the Clyde


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River. Appendix E identifies the bird species observed in the 2001 survey as well as those listed as

occurring within the Breeding Bird Atlas survey blocks (Erskine 1992) encompassed by the site and their

nesting habitat. Additional species noted in an earlier survey (Hagreen 1999) including additional habitat

types within the larger Shelburne Barrens area are also noted.

Over 50 bird species were observed during the June 2001 survey. A variety of birds were present

reflecting the dominant habitats; shrub bogs and forest edge. Diversity was moderate within the forest

edge habitat within the semi-barrens areas where a mix of shrub hardwood trees and conifers have

established. Diversity was poorer within the barrens areas and higher within the forested area to the west

of Barclay Brook. Dominant species within the shrub bog areas included; Swamp Sparrow, Common

Yellowthroat and thrushes. Dark-eyed Juncos, a variety of warblers and chickadees dominated the semi-

barrens areas. Few birds were noted within the open barrens (lichen-bearberry-broom crowberry areas).

Several raptor species were observed. With the exception of the Northern Harrier, the hawk and owl

species are most likely only using the barrens and semi-barrens areas for feeding habitat. The treed area

surrounding the Frog Ponds has higher potential to support raptor nests, although few large trees are

present.

A Whip-poor-will may have been heard in the roadside pit area east of East Barclay Brook. This area has

potentially suitable habitat, however, the bird did not repeat its call and was not confirmed. Whip-poor-

will are a scarce species in the Maritimes with very few nests known in the region. It is likely that the

scarcity is due to the Maritimes being at the northern limit of the breeding range (Erskine 1992).

At risk bird species are discussed in Section 4.

3.5 Reptiles and Amphibians

A reptile and amphibian survey was conducted at the study area on July 23, 2001. Appendix E provides

field notes from this survey and lists the herpetile species observed on this and field surveys completed

previously. Species were typical of the habitats encountered. The barrens area primarily supports garter

snakes. Frogs (green and pickerel) were observed in the brooks and ponds. Upper Frog Pond appears to

have an excellent green frog population.

At risk herpetile species are discussed Section 4.


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3.6 Wetlands

Wetlands within the study area are noted on Figure 4. Several wetlands were visited during the botany

and wildlife surveys and the field results are provided in Appendices D and E. The majority of wetlands

within the study area are shrub wetland habitats dominated by heath vegetation. Diversity in these

wetlands is low. Two at risk species found during field surveys in wetlands were possibly a bladderwort

(Utricularia subulata) at the Lower Frog Pond wetland and Bartonia in a wetland downstream of the

lease are a (No. 23). Wetlands identified as significant (NSDNR 1982) include No. 43 (over 5 ha, Golet

score 74.5) and the complex around Lower Frog Pond (21 ha, Golet score 74.5). The Golet score is an

indicator of wetland value to wildlife, however, it is primarily based on air photo interpretation with

limited ground truthing and likely underestimates value. Wetlands with lower scores may still provide

wildlife habitat and important wetland functions such as groundwater recharge, nutrient cycling, flood

control and sediment retention for example. All wetlands mapped are considered to be potentially

valuable habitat. Several key wetlands in the general vicinity of the project are summarized in Table 1 and

illustrated through air photos in Appendix F. These wetlands include No. 6 (0.7ha) and No. 8 (4.8ha) on

the East Barclay Brook and No. 19 (1.7ha) and No. 22 (0.9ha) on the Barclay Book as well as No. 11

(0.8ha) located approximately 200m southwest of Route 203. Wetlands Nos. 6 and 22 are classified as

open bogs by the NSDNR forestry database, while wetlands Nos. 8, 11 and 19 are classified as general

wetlands. Field surveys have identified wetland No. 22 as a fen and wetlands Nos. 6, 8, 11, and 19 as

shrub wetlands.


Page 17

Table 1 Summary of Wetlands Potentially within the Vicinity of Active Portions of the Lease Area

Data Wetland No.6 Wetland No.8 Wetland No.11 Wetland No.19 Wetland No.22 Size 0.7 ha 4.9 ha 0.9 ha 1.8 ha 0.9 ha General description Ø Streamside open

wetland and shrub bog

Ø Streamside shrub fen/bog Ø Characterized in Appendix

4; Sept. 3 and 5 field report

Ø Upland shrub bog Ø Characterized in Appendix

4; Sept. 3 and 5 field report

Ø Streamside shrub fen/bog

Ø Characterized in Appendix 4; Sept. 3 and 5 field report

Ø Streamside fen Ø Characterized in

Appendix 4; Sept. 3 and 5 and Nov. field reports

Wildlife habitat potential

Expected to be typical of wetlands in the area based on shrub and open bog habitat present

Ø Wildlife expected to used the area occasionally include beaver, muskrat, white-tailed deer and snowshoe hare as well as a variety of small rodents and their predators

Ø Streamside shrub and wooded ravine habitat birds noted in June survey (Appendix 5), particularly Swamp Sparrow and Least Flycatcher

Ø Herpetiles typical of the area noted in July survey (Appendix 5), particularly green frog and spring peepers

Ø Wildlife expected to used the area occasionally include white-tailed deer, snowshoe hare as well as a variety of small rodents and their predators

Ø Upland shrub birds noted in June survey (Appendix 5), particularly Swamp Sparrow and Palm Warbler

Ø Herpetiles typical of the upland area noted in July survey (Appendix 5), particularly American toad and garter snake

Ø Wildlife expected to used the area includes beaver, muskrat, white-tailed deer and snowshoe hare as well as a variety of small rodents and their predators

Ø Streamside shrub habitat birds noted in June survey (Appendix 5), particularly Common Yellowthroat and Swamp Sparrow

Ø Herpetiles typical of the streamside wetland area noted in July survey (Appendix 5), particularly green frog and spring peepers

Ø Wildlife expected to used the area includes beaver, muskrat, white-tailed deer and snowshoe hare as well as a variety of small rodents and their predators

Potential for rare and endangered species

Ø Plant survey required Ø Rare birds or

herpetiles not expected based on generalized July survey (Appendix 5)

Ø Rare animals not expected (Section 4.2); Limited potential for critical moose habitat given small size

Ø No rare plant species observed (Appendix 4; Sept. 3 and 5 field report)

Ø No rare birds or herpetiles observed or expected (Appendix 5)












Page 18

Data Wetland No.6 Wetland No.8 Wetland No.11 Wetland No.19 Wetland No.22 Groundwater recharge potential

As a streamside wetland is expected to be a shallow groundwater discharge zone


Minor shallow groundwater recharge contribution given small size



Role in Surface flow regulation

Provides some storm water storage capacity for East Barclay Brook tributary

Provides storm storm water storage for headwaters of East Barclay Brook

Minor given small size and upland nature

Provides some storm water storage for Barclay Brook

Provides some storm water storage for Barclay Brook tributary

Agricultural use None at present; unlikely potential for crops as shrub dominated; limited potential for blueberry (small size); moderate to high potential for cranberry bog with extensive development

None at present; unlikely crop potential as leatherleaf shrub dominated; moderate potential for blueberry; moderate to high potential for cranberry bog with extensive development

None at present; unlikely crop potential as leatherleaf shrub dominated; limited potential for blueberry (small size); moderate to high potential for cranberry bog with extensive development

None at present; unlikely crop potential as leatherleaf shrub dominated; limited potential for blueberry (remote and predominantly streamside); moderate to high potential for cranberry bog with extensive development

None at present; low crop potential given remote location; limited potential for blueberry (small size, remote and fen vegetation); moderate to high potential for cranberry bog with extensive development

Role in water treatment

Provides some runoff filtration and contributes wetland organic acids





Peat development potential

Limited potential; small size, shrub development reduces economic potential

Limited potential; small-moderate size, shrub development reduces economic potential

Limited; small size, shrub development reduces economic potential

Limited potential; small size, shrub development reduces economic potential

Limited potential; small size reduces economic potential

Other issues/concerns Intermittent fish habitat Poor fish habitat Larger size

Existing disturbance from ATV trail

Poor fish habitat Poor fish habitat

Summary Low potential for unique habitat or rare species. Resource use not anticipated

No unique habitat, rare species or resource uses anticipated




Appendix 1 photo # 5 40 20, 21 28, 41, 42


Page 19

4.0 Species at Risk

Several ecologically significant features and species at risk are known to occur south of the study area and

in the general area of south-central Nova Scotia as reported in the Re-evaluation of the Shelburne Barrens

as a Site of Ecological Significance (Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour, MacKinnon

1998) and the Nova Scotia Museum (NSM) screening (Appendix G). Potential for species at risk is

evaluated based on known distributions and habitats of at risk species and comparison with habitat

potential in the study area. In addition, directed field surveys were conducted to further assess rare plants,

herpetiles and birds.

4.1 Plant Species

The Nova Scotia Museum has records of several at risk plant species for the general area which,

depending on the habitats present, have potential to occur in the Flintstone Rock area. As well, at risk

plant species are identified for the adjacent Shelburne Barrens Site of Ecological Significance

(MacKinnon 1998). Many of these at risk species are coastal plains plants which are unique as they occur

in southwest Nova Scotia at the northern most edge of their range and may not occur elsewhere in

Canada. At risk plants have been previously identified on the cobble-boulder shoreline and beach areas

along Auger Lake, approximately 6 km south of the study area along the Clyde River upstream of the

Barclay Brooks sub-watershed include: swamp loosestrife (Decodon verticillatus), meadow-beauty

(Rhexia virginica), a bladderwort (Utricularia subulata) and a grass (Panicum longifolium). A

bladderwort (Utricularia gibba) was found on a mucky exposed gravel-cobble shoreline on West

Horseshoe Lake, over 5 km south of the study area and upstream of both the main Clyde River and the

Barclay Brooks sub-watershed.

Based on the NSM and NSDOEL (Protected Area Division) records, as well as Pronych and Wilson

(1993), Acadia University Herbarium records and 2000 and 2001 field surveys, a list of potential at risk

plant species and their habitats is compiled (Table 2). Potential for rare plants at the site is based on field

investigations of habitats and species present.

Table 2 Potential at Risk Plant Species in the General Vicinity of the Study Area1,2,3,4

Species At Risk Status6 Common Name - Habitat2

Flowering Period7

Potential in Study Area4

Alnus serrulata1

Canadian Priority 5 NSDNR Red

Alder sp. - predominantly lake edges; also old pastures, swamps, swales

February to May; but distinguished by leaves throughout

Not observed during field surveys; low potential near Upper and Lower Frog Ponds


Page 20


Flowering Period7


growing season Aster undulatus Canadian

Priority 4 Aster sp. - Dry open woods, thickets, barrens, river slopes

August and September

Not observed during field surveys; low potential throughout

Bartonia virginica1,4

Canadian Priority 4 NSDNR Yellow

Bartonia - Lakeshores, peat bogs, dry sandy Corema barrens, burned barrens, openings in dry thickets

July to September

Present - observed during field surveys

Carex atlantica ssp. capillacea2

Canadian Priority 2

Sedge sp. - Swamps, bogs and peaty barrens, dry gravel road shoulder, bogs, swamps, small pools, boggy swales and thickets, hummocky pastures

May to early August


Cephalanthus occidentalis2

NSDNR Red Buttonbush - Shorelines, swale, rocky lake shores

July 15 to August 15


Clethra alnifolia2

COSEWIC Special Concern Canadian Priority 2 NSDNR Red

Sweet pepperbush - Shorelines of lakes, swamps, damp thickets, sandy woods

Late September to October


Coreopsis rosea2

COSEWIC Endangered Canadian Priority 1 NSDNR Red

Pink coreopsis - sandy/cobbly/gravely/peaty shorelines, wet shores

Late July to August


Decodon verticillatus2,3

Provincial Water-willow - quaking shores, peaty lake margins, sphagnum

July and August Not observed during field surveys; low potential near Upper and Lower Frog Ponds

Desmodium canadense

Provincial Canada tick-trefoil - rich open woods, sandy beach, river banks

Late July Not observed during field surveys; low potential throughout

Eleocharis flavenscens2

Provincial Capitate spikerush - Peaty bogs, wet sandy shores/swales

June to October Not observed during field surveys; low potential throughout

Eupatorium dubium2

Canadian Priority 4

Eupatorium sp. - Rocky lakeshores, swamps and damp thickets, upper border of cobble beaches, swales



Euthamia galetorum2


Goldenrod sp. - Sloping sand/cobble beach, shorelines, sandy/peaty/gravely beaches



Euthamia tenuifolia2

Provincial Goldenrod sp. - dry sandy soils and beaches, sandy pockets in cobble, upper edge of cobble beach, peaty/cobbly/gravely sandy beaches of large lakes




Page 21


Flowering Period7


Galium obtusum1

Provincial Bedstraw sp. - low lying ground, along streams, boggy/ seepy swales, wet thickets

July and August Not observed during field surveys; low potential throughout;

Goodyera repens

Provincial Creeping rattlesnake plantain - under confers

July to August Not observed during field surveys; low potential throughout

Listera australis4

Canadian Priority 2

Southern twayblade - shaded sphagnum moss of bogs or damp woods

June Present - observed during field surveys

Myriophyllum farwellii

Provincial Water-milfoil sp. - ponds and slow moving streams, muddy shores, muddy coves in river channel overflow

June to September


Panicum rigidulum (longifolium) 2,3

Canadian Priority 3

Grass sp. - Peaty/sandy shores, wet peaty/gravely lake margins

July on Not observed during field surveys; low potential near Upper and Lower Frog Ponds

Platanthera flava flava2


Tubercled orchid - Peaty/ cobbly upper beaches, gently sloping sand/cobble beaches, edge of lake, flood plain, bog, swamp, meadow

May to August Not observed during field surveys low potential near Upper and Lower Frog Ponds

Rhexia virginica2,3

Canadian Priority 3 NSDNR Red

Meadow-beauty - Upper/lake beaches, gravel/rocky substrates, mucky soil near water edge, cobbly lake, shallow peaty margin

July and August Not observed during field surveys; low potential near Upper and Lower Frog Ponds

Sabatia kennedyana2

COSEWIC Threatened Canadian Priority 1 NSDNR Red

Plymouth gentian - peaty/sandy shore, cobbly beach, boggy savannah, shallow lake, mid beach gravel

August Not observed during field surveys low; potential near Upper and Lower Frog Ponds

Spiranthes casei2, 4

provincial Case’s ladies-tresses - Dry sandy roadside, sandy soil, pits, open barrens

September Observed on gravel bank/ditch between Route 203 and western sample pit during Sept. field survey

Spiranthes ochroleuca1, 4

Canadian Priority 3

Yellow ladies-tresses - dry sand barrens, uplands, roadsides, fields

September to October

Observed on gravel bank/ditch between Route 203 and western sample pit during Sept. field survey

Symplocarpus foetidus1

provincial Skunk cabbage - springy swale, open bog, mossy sphagnum woods, wet thicket, bogs, pastures

May - Leaves recognizable after flowering


Utricularia gibba1,3

provincial Bladderwort sp. - aquatic, river lagoon, bog pool, shallow mucky pool

Late June to September



Page 22


Flowering Period7


Utricularia subulata3,4

Canadian Priority 4

Bladderwort sp. - Moist sand beach, peaty areas, mucky marshes, cobbly moss embankment, lake margin mud

Late April to September

Potentially observed at Lower Frog Pond during Sept. field survey

Woodwardia areolata2


Dwarf chain fern - along streams, woods by lake, cobble beach, swamp, wet woods, bog, shores

July to October (spores) Identifiable by leaf/frond

Not observed during field surveys; low potential stream side

Notes 1. Pronych and Wilson 1993. Atlas of Rare Vascular Plants in Nova Scotia , NSM.

- included within the 10 km square which encompasses the study area. 2. Pronych and Wilson 1993, NSM. - included within adjacent 10 km squares to the study area. 3. MacKinnon 1998. 4. Field Survey - surveys conducted on Nov. 11, 2000; July 7, 2001, and July 23, 2001; September 3 and 5, 2001; and

September 16, 2001. 5. NSDNR Status of Wildlife Process, 2000. 6. Canadian Priority 1 (extremely rare) to 4 (widespread but long term concern). COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada May 2001. Endangered - facing imminent extirpation/extinction, Threatened - likely to become Endangered, Special

Concern - of concern due to characteristics making it sensitive to human activities or natural events. In addition to being nationally designated, COSEWIC species are also protected under the Nova Scotia

Endangered Species Act. NSDNR Natural Resources Status of Wildlife Process Red- at risk of immediate extirpation/extinction, Yellow - sensitive, but not immediately at risk of

extirpation/extinction. provincial - included in Pronych and Wilson 1993. 7. Zinck, M. 1998. Roland’s Flora of Nova Scotia . Nimbus Publishing and NSM. An initial botany field survey was undertaken to assess potential for at risk plant species in the fall of

2000. This field survey targeted typical habitats present as well as habitats with potential for rare plant

species. Habitats types were identified from air photographs. Habitats surveyed included the general

barrens and semi-barrens areas, wetlands and watercourses. As well, Lower Frog Pond was investigated

to determine potential for coastal plains species. Lower Frog Pond occurs within an extensive ericaceous

shrub bog/barrens area. No extensive shorelines with peat development were noted, reducing potential for

several coastal plains species. Upper Frog Pond was determined in a subsequent field survey to have

similar habitat to Lower Frog Pond and thus similarly low habitat potential for many coastal plains

species. However, as the initial botany survey was conducted late in the year and water levels were high,

a follow-up assessments were recommended and completed for July and late August/September of 2001.

The July 17, 2001 botany survey generally confirmed the habitat types identified previously. Two plant

species listed within the provincial rare plant atlas (Pronych and Wilson 1993) and two coastal plains

plants were identified. An additional survey was conducted July 23, 2001 to further delineate the

nationally rare species. Early September surveys were also conducted to identify late flowering plants and

further assess potential for rare species as previously recommended. A coastal plains grass species was

observed in wetland No. 11 and rare bladderwort species (Utricularia subulata) was possibly observed at


Page 23

Lower Frog Pond. As well, a follow-up survey confirmed the presence of at risk ladies’-tresses

(Spiranthes sp.) located adjacent to Highway 203 in the western ditch. Field summaries are provided in

Appendix D. The at risk plants identified and their locations are outlined below (as well as on Figure 3).

• Bartonia (Bartonia virginica) – This plant is listed as Canadian Priority 4 (nationally widespread

but long term concern) with a Yellow NSDNR at risk status (sensitive, but not at risk of

immediate extinction/extirpation) and is relatively common in southwestern Nova Scotia. The

plants were found primarily in the barrens area prior to East Barclay Brook in wetter peaty areas

which had been opened up from shrub cover by ATV traffic. An additional site was noted in

similar habitat between the Barclay Brooks/Lower Frog Pond in the vicinity of the twayblade site

noted below.

• Southern twayblade (Listera australis) – The Southern twayblade is listed as nationally imperilled

(Canadian Priority 2) although globally apparently secure (G4). Very few records of this plant

exist in Nova Scotia (records in Inverness, a bog in Kings County and recently in the Halifax

area). The twayblade was found in red maple/sphagnum/ cinnamon fern swales west of Barclay

Brook. The plant was found initially in two swales sparsely distributed (17 plants at eastern site

and 6 plants in the more westerly swale). A more extensive survey was conducted of red maple

swales in this area but the majority of plants were located within the area originally found.

• Case’s ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes casei) - This plant is considered rare in Nova Scotia by Maher

et al. and is restricted to the southwestern portion of the province. There are two varieties in the

provinces, var. novascotiae and var. casei, of which var. novascotiae, the more common variety,

was found near the western sample pit. S. casei inhabits acid, sandy soils, roadsides and open

barrens and flowers late in the season during August and September. One plant of this species

was found along the Highway 203 ditch adjacent to the pit area.

• Yellow ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes ochroleuca) - Several specimens of this plant (15-20 plants)

nationally were found along with S. casei in the road ditch area between the western sample pit

and Highway 203. It is considered imperiled by Argus and Pryer (1990) due to its rarity. The

plant thrives in dry, sandy barrens in southwestern Nova Scotia as well as along rivers, roadsides

and open fields. Its provincial distribution ranges from southwestern Nova Scotia to Hants

County. It has only recently been identified by taxonomists as a distinct species and was thought

to be a variety of S. ceruna.

As well, several coastal plains species listed by NSDNR as sensitive (Coastal Plains Evaluations 2000)

were noted; a fern in the maple swale area (Thelypteris simulata), a coastal plains grass (Panicum

spretum) in wetland No. 11, Hudsonia (Hudsonia ericoides) along the ATV trail within 500 m of


Page 24

Highway 203 and another Bartonia species (Bartonia paniculata) downstream of the lease area on a

Barclay Brook wetland (No. 23).

4.2 Animal Species

Table 3 lists national Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC May 2001)

and provincial at risk animal species with some potential to occur in the general area based on known

distributions and habitat in the area.

Table 3 Potential at Risk Animal Species in the General Vicinity of the Site

Species Name At Risk Status Habitat Potential in Study

Area Asio otus Long-eared Owl NSDNR Yellow Woodlands, forage in open

areas; known breeding south of study area

Observed foraging south of study area; low potential for nesting in study area

Alces alces Moose - mainland population

NSDNR Red Forest and wet areas near lakes and swamps

Moderate habitat potential, population known for general area

Coregonus huntsmani

Atlantic whitefish

COSEWIC Endangered

Tusket River watershed Not known for the study area or downstream watershed; no habitat potential

Emydoidea blandingi

Blandings turtle COSEWIC Threatened NSDNR Red

Disjunct population confined to central, southwestern Nova Scotia (northern Kejimkujik National Park), fens bordering lakes and streams

Not known within 10 km of the study area; habitat not observed in field surveys; no habitat potential

Gavia immer Common Loon NSDNR Yellow Lakeshores Nests within the general area, but not evident on the Frog Ponds; low to no habitat potential in study area outside Frog Ponds

Lasionycteris noctivagans

Silver-haired bat NSDNR Yellow Hiburnating caves, old mines, Kejimkujik Park

Caves and shafts not evident, low to no habitat potential

Lasiurus borealis borealis

Red bat NSDNR Yellow Solitary bat with few NS records

Low to no habitat potential

Lasiurus cinereus

Hoary bat NSDNR Yellow Solitary bat with few NS records, distribution currently unknown

Low to no habitat potential option


Page 25

Species Name At Risk Status Habitat Potential in Study

Area Martes americana

American Marten

June 2001 protected under N.S. Endangered Species Act, NSDNR Red

Mature softwood forests, reintroduced into southwestern NS (Kejimkujik status “data deficient”)

Low habitat potential

Martes pennanti Fisher NSDNR Yellow Mature softwood forest, historically reintroduced into western mainland (including Tobeatic area in 60’s - ranch stock)


Myotis lucifugus Little brown bat NSDNR Yellow Hiburnates in caves, old mines, contacts between evaporates and sandstones


Myotis keeni Northern long-eared bat

NSDNR Yellow Hiburnates in caves, old mines, contacts between evaporates and sandstones


Pipistrellus subflavus subflavus

Eastern pipistrelle

NSDNR Yellow Hiburnates in caves, old mines,


Salmo salar Atlantic salmon NSM identified Downstream in Clyde watershed

Habitat not observed during preliminary field survey; low habitat potential

Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis

Northern ribbon snake

NSDNR Yellow Disjunct population in central, southwestern Nova Scotia, centered in Queens County. In or near stillwaters, bogs and ponds

Habitat potential identified at Lower Frog Pond; no potential for rest of study area

Margaritifera margaritifera

Eastern river pearl mussel

NSDNR Yellow Small-medium sized rivers Low potential in aquatic habitats

Incisalia lanoraineensis

Bog Elfin NSDNR Red Black spruce bogs of western Nova Scotia

Low habitat potential

Danaus plexippus

Monarch NSDNR Yellow COSEWIC Special Concern

Migrates through Nova Scotia

No potential for destruction of critical wintering habitat

Polygonia gracilis

Hoary Comma NSDNR Yellow Mainland Nova Scotia, larvae feed on currents and Rhododendron spp.

Moderate to low habitat potential

Other Invertebrates

In addition to butterflies, there are thirteen species of dragonflies and damselflies listed by NSDNR as Red or Yellow status. These species inhabit aquatic and surrounding environments. There is potential habitat within the study area for any of these species. However, although they are generally not known for the study area little data is available on their distribution.

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources 2000. Status of Wildlife in Nova Scotia Erskine, A.J. 1992. Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces

None of the COSEWIC, May 2001 or provincially listed animal species are known directly for the study

area, although moose are likely and, as noted below, others have potential to occur based on habitats and

known distributions.


Page 26

A Long-eared Owl was heard feeding in the vicinity of the site (towards the Upper/Lower Frog Pond

area), but is unlikely to nest within the study area. This owl forages over a wide area. Appendix I provides

NSDNR guidelines for raptors. Loons are expected to use the larger lakes to the south of the study area,

but were not observed in the Upper or Lower Frog Ponds.

A mainland population of moose is also known to occur in the general area. The Tobeatic Wilderness

Area is known to support a good population density of moose. The moose population is expected to be

less dense through the study area, however numbers are undetermined (pers. comm., 2001. P.

MacDonald, NSDNR Regional Biologist). The areas mapped by NSDNR as significant wildlife habitat

(Figure 3) show locations where there is more evidence of moose activity (tracks or scat), but do not

necessarily indicate a distinct population.

According to Dennis Brannen (pers. comm., 2001. Acadia University Centre for Wildlife and

Conservation Biology), pellet group inventories of transects in the general study area have been consistent

since 1983, indicating little change in moose activity over the last 17 years. Brannen indicates that two

regions within the study area provide moose with suitable habitat for feeding, calving, and for shelter

during the summer months; one to the west and one to the east of the proposed mine lease (Appendix H).

Both of these zones are situated outside of the proposed mining lease area. According to telemetry

research over three years, individual moose are not moving far from established ranges and that those

moose within the regions noted above are not moving far beyond those areas.

American marten are known to inhabit the Province in a remnant population in the Cape Breton

Highlands and a population reintroduced to Kejimkujik National Park. Marten prefer mature forests with

large trees (preferably pine) for denning. There are no such mature stands within the lease area, small

patches of mature white pines exist on the west side of Rocky Lake over 2 km south of the proposed lease

area and along the East Barclay Brook 50 m - 500 m south of the proposed lease area (Figure 3). The

animals released in Kejimkujik were known to have a dispersal range of over 50 km from their release

point. The home range for marten ranges from about 2.5 to 4 km2. Marten are known to utilize mixed

forest and edge habitat during the summer and if present, could forage within the study area.

Fishers similarly, inhabit mature softwood areas, but may also use mixed woods and cutovers and if

present, could forage within the study area.

The herpetile survey identified potential habitat for the Northern Ribbon Snake at the Lower Frog Pond,

but further surveys would be required at the pond to confirm the presence of this snake. Habitat for the

blandings turtle was not observed. The barrens area and mixed wood forest including Barclay Brook and

East Barclay Brook and tributaries are not expected to provide habitat for at risk herpetile species. The

area does not provide known bat hiburnicular habitat and caves are not expected on-site, although large


Page 27

erratics and trees may provide some roosting areas for feeding bats. At risk invertebrates were not

observed, however, dedicated surveys were not undertaken.


Page 28

References

Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Freshwater Aquatic Life Guidelines. 2001. Clarke, A., 1981. The Freshwater Molluscs of Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences, Ottawa. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), May 2001 Species List. Davis, D. and S. Browne. 1997. The Natural History of Nova Scotia. Nimbus Publishing and Nova Scotia

Museum DFO Atlantic Salmon Sport Catch Statistics 1996-98. Canadian Data Reports of Fisheries and Aquatic

Sciences. Erskine, A. 1992. Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces. Nimbus Publishing and Nova

Scotia Museum. Farmer, G., Goff, T., Ashfield, D. and Samant,H. 1980. Some Effects of the Acidification of Atlantic

Salmon Rivers in Nova Scotia. Canadian Technical Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences No. 972.

Hagreen, L. 1999. A Survey of the Shelburne Barrens Candidate Nature Reserve, and the Environmental

Impacts of Kaolinite Mining. B.Sc. Thesis. Dalhousie University. MacDonald, P. 2001. pers. comm., NSDNR Regional Biologist. MacKinnon, D. 1998. Re-evaluation of the Shelburne Barrens as a Site of Ecological Significance. Nova

Scotia Department of the Environment (formerly NSDNR), Protected Areas Division. Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR). 1982. Important Freshwater Wetlands and

Coastal Wildlife Habitat of Nova Scotia. Kentville. Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR). 2001. Significant Wildlife Habitat, Forestry

and Wetland Database. Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR), 2001. Status of Wildlife Process. Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR), 2000. Coastal Plains Species Evaluation. Pronych and Wilson, A. 1993. Atlas of Rare Vascular Plants in Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Museum. Tufts, P. pers. comm. 2001. retired NSDNR. Winchester, P. pers. comm. 2000. Area Habitat Coordinator. Zinck, Marian. 1998 Roland's Flora of Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia Museum and Nimbus Publishing,

Halifax, N.S.

Appendix A

Site Photographs

Flintstone Rock Photos Oct., Nov. 2000

1. Clyde River, u/s SW1 2. Clyde River, d/s SW1 3. Clyde River, u/s HWY203

4. Clyde River, d/s HWY203 5. East Barclay Brook,

~50m u/s ATV trail6. East Barclay Brook,

~30m u/s ATV trail

7. East Barclay Brook, at ATV trail

8. East Barclay Brook,

~100m d/s ATV trail


~150m d/s ATV trail


~250m d/s ATV trail 11. East Barclay Brook,

u/s SW4 pond


SW4 pond


d/s SW4 pond14. East Barclay Brook,

~50m d/s SW4 pondu/s upstream

d/s downstream

Flintstone Rock Photos


~80m d/s SW4 pond16. East Barclay Brook,

~120m d/s SW4 pond17. Trib. To East Barclay Brook,

u/s SW4 pond

18. Barclay Brook,

~1.2 km u/s ATV trail19. Barclay Brook,

~1.1 km u/s ATV trail

20. Barclay Brook,

~150m u/s ATV trail

21. Barclay Brook,

~25m u/s ATV trail22. Barclay Brook,

u/s ATV trail23. Barclay Brook,

~20m d/s ATV trail

24. Barclay Brook,

~40m d/s ATV trail25. Barclay Brook,

~50m d/s ATV trail

26. Barclay Brook,

~100m d/s ATV trail

27. Trib. To Barclay Brook

u/s cutline28. Trib. To Barclay Brook

d/s cutline29. Trib. To Lower Frog Pond

u/s upstream

d/s downstream

Oct., Nov. 2000

Flintstone Rock Photos

33. Inlet. To Lower Frog Pond 34. Inlet To Lower Frog Pond

36. Huckleberry-lambkill barren

39. Shrub wetland, west of HWY 203

44. Forested area,

west of Barclay Brook

43. Red maple swamp,

west of Barclay Brook

42. Fen along Barclay Brook Trib.

41.Fen along Barclay Brook Trib.40. Shrub wetland, west of Barclay

Brook

37. Lichen-bearberry-broomcrowberry

barren38. Treed stream valley corridor

35. Lower Frog Pond

30. Trib. To Lower Frog Pond

31.& 32. Lower Frog Pond

Oct., Nov. 2000

Flintstone Rock Photos June, July 2001

45. Upper Frog Pond

46. Outlet tributary to

Upper Frog Pond

48. Tributary to connector

to Lower Frog Pond47. Stillwater downstream

of Upper Frog Pond

49. Lower Frog Pond, June 2001


u/s ATV trail50. Barclay Brook tributary,

d/s of fen

52. Barclay Brook,

u/s ATV trail

Flintstone Rock Photos August 2001

53. Clyde River; d/s Sw1 Site 55. Clyde River; beaver dam

~200 m d/s of Rte 203

56. Clyde River,

~ 250 m d/s Rte 20357. East Barclay Brook, d/s Sw3,

~750 m u/s ATV trail, Shrub wetland

58. East Barclay Brook, ~ SW3

~850 m u/s ATV trail

60. Barclay Brook,

u/s ATV trail


u/s of ATV trail

August 2001

54. Clyde River d/s of Rte 203

61. Barclay Brook,

~140m d/s ATV trail

Flintstone Rock Photos August 2001

62. Barclay Brook,


~180m d/s ATV trail

64. Barclay Brook,



~300m d/s ATV trail

67. Barclay Brook,


~450m d/s ATV trail

69. Barclay Brook,

~350m u/s ATV trail

Appendix B

Fish Habitat Survey Sheets

Nova Scotia Stream Data Sheet

Stream Name: Barclay Brook Stream No.: 1Personnel: KLM, DMV Date:Start Point: as noted (going upstream) Stream Order: 1 to 3End Point: as noted NTS Coordinates: (A) 4879900N, 5413010E

(B) 4880750N, 5412300E

Bed

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1 p 100 100 20 1 10 90 H 100 10 20 15 80 10 10 90 5 5 1 15 70 H f 70 100Shrub bog wetland pond; confluence with tributary

2 r 210 110 4 0.2 40 50 10 M 100 5 5 10 40 5 55 10 10 10 70 20 10 steep, ~5%

3 p 215 5 4 0.5 40 30 10 10 5 5 M 100 5 10 40 5 40 10 15 10 70 20 10 0.5 40 80 M r 5 5 5

4 r,ru 237 22 4 0.15 30 60 10 M 90 10 5 10 1 30 10 60 5 10 5 10 70 20 10

5 r 262 25 2 0.15 20 70 10 M 90 10 5 10 5 40 5 50 5 10 15 15 80 15 5beaver debris upsream, channel splits to 2 x 2m, steep

6 r 281 19 5 0.15 60 35 5 M 90 10 10 5 55 20 60 15 5 70 25 5 shallow boulder garden riffle

7 r,ru 308 27 3 0.25 50 30 20 M 40 10 50 5 5 45 35 45 10 5 5 50 45 5steep, moss covered boulder; poor low flow passage, 0.4m drops

8 325 17 3 0.3 25 20 10 35 10 M 100 5 5 3 30 35 10 20 5 30 70 20 10

9 328 3 4 0.3 10 5 60 30 M 10 90 5 5 10 30 30 10 10 10 5 30 70 20 101 full beaver dam and secondary obstructions

10 428 100 25 1 10 90 H 100 5 20 15 20 60 10 10 90 5 5 1 15 70 H f 70 100 shrub wetland pond

11 445 17 2 0.15 80 15 5 M 100 5 5 25 25 25 50 70 25 5

12 459 14 4 0.6 60 10 10 5 10 5 M 100 5 15 45 10 30 10 5 20 75 5 0.6 15 70 M b 5 14 pool below 1 m drop over boulder

13 468 9 3 0.15 75 20 5 M 90 10 5 10 45 25 20 30 5 20 70 30 steep

14 490 22 3.5 0.15 10 35 10 40 M 80 20 5 5 35 20 10 70 70 30

15 508 18 4 0.25 30 5 5 55 5 M 80 20 5 1 25 20 10 70 70 30

1 p 20 20 12 1 20 10 70 H 100 20 20 15 25 25 25 25 70 25 5 1 15 70 Hr,s,g,f

70 20 5 large pond in woods

2r,ru,p

33 13 5 0.2 60 15 15 5 5 L 33 33 33 15 20 50 25 30 30 15 90 5 5 <1 20 15 M b,r,s 15 2 5

3 r,ru 40 7 6 0.25 55 20 20 5 M 60 30 10 10 35 60 50 50 80 20 1 25 5 M c,s 5 2 5boulders under water are moss covered

4 r 50 10 5 0.3 75 20 5 L 100 0 15 20 25 25 25 25 75 25

5 r 58 8 4 0.2 38 25 32 5 L 90 10 5 30 50 25 25 25 25 85 15 0.4 30 30 Mr,b,g

10 3 5

6 r 84 26 5 0.2 80 20 L 100 0 20 20 30 35 15 20 90 5 5

7 r,ru 98 14 6 0.3 35 35 25 5 M 50 50 10 20 20 25 25 25 25 90 10 logs across stream

8 f 138 40 6.5 0.2 25 25 30 15 5 M 5 15 80 5 35 20 50 50 90 10boulder control at end; trail at 118m; log crossing at 129m

9 r 145 7 5 0.2 40 40 10 10 M 90 10 10 25 30 100 90 5 5 <1 20 10 M s,g 10 0.5 5 evidence of beaver dam at 145m

10 s 500+ 300+ 7 0.25 15 5 5 5 20 50 H 80 20 30 25 25 100 90 5 5 still water starts at 145m

1 r 300+ 300+ 2.3 0.1 30 35 35 M 60 40 5 10 35 40 20 30 10 80 15 5 1-2% slope

1r,rup

35 35 1 0.2 80 10 10 L 40 40 20 20 20 15 20 30 30 20 95 5 <1 5 5 L s,g 15 1 5

L:\PROJECTS\DRAFT\008392\[habitat1.xls]Barclay Bkp=pond H=high r=rockr=riffle M=moderate s=sandru=run L=low g=gravelp=pool f=finef=flat b=boulders=still water

Vegetation (%) Erosion (%)

Ove

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ging

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ion

(%)

Stream Banks

as noted

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Pool Criteria

Pool Tail Criteria

Start : ~600 m downstream of ATV trail (8/29/01)

(B) Approximately 1km upstream of the trail (10/26/00)

(A) From 120 m downstream of trail to the stillwater 25m upstream (10/26/00)

Approximately 300m upstream of the ATV trail at inlet to stillwater (8/29/01)

Comments

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Nova Scotia Stream Data Sheet

Stream Name: East Barclay Brook Stream No.: 2Personnel: KLM, DMV Date:Start Point: as noted (going upstream) Stream Order: 1to2End Point: as noted NTS Coordinates: 4880900N, 5414050E

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Start: Approximately 100m downstream of SW4 pond (10/26/2000, 11/10/2000)1 s 100+ 100+ 5 0.3 15 5 5 10 70 H 30 70 10 20 20 100 80 10 10 long stillwater

2 f 130 30 5 0.25 15 10 10 20 45 M 100 20 10 25 20 5 35 10 15 15 75 10 15 brook trout rearing and potentially spawning habitat, cabin

3 r,rn 160 30 4 0.2 20 20 20 10 15 15 M 30 70 10 20 30 25 5 30 30 90 5 5

4 s 260 100 30 >1 20 80 H 20 80 5 10 100 95 5 >1 50 50 H f 80 100 5 SW4 pond, brook trout rearing, two beaver dams d/s

5 r,rn,p 560 300 4 0.25 30 15 10 10 20 15 M 30 40 10 20 10 20 25 15 20 5 10 25 25 70 20 10 <1 20 15 L c/g/s 70 2 5

6 s,p 760 200 6 0.3 20 10 5 5 20 40 H 60 40 10 15 15 100 75 15 10 >1 10 30 H f 60 15 5 stillwater to small beaver pond

7 r,rn 910 150 3 0.2 40 10 10 5 15 20 M 30 40 20 10 15 20 25 5 20 5 10 25 35 70 20 10 <1 20 15 M f,s,g 60 2 5

8 s 1035 125 4 0.3 25 10 10 5 15 35 M 30 70 5 15 15 100 80 10 10 ford sit at upstream end

9 r, ru 1044 9 3 0.25 70 10 10 10 L 50 50 40 30 35 40 30 30 60 35 5 debree blockage and whirl pool at 1035m

10 r 1050 6 1.5 0.15 60 30 10 L 95 5 30 20 25 40 25 35 80 20 large boulder at 9.4m with flow oneither side; mossy boulders

11 r 1055 5 2.5 0.2 60 30 L 100 5 25 40 40 35 25 80 20

12 s 1072 17 2.5 0.35 35 10 5 5 15 30 M 10 90 5 15 5 15 100 80 20 stillwater

13 r 1112 40 1 0.2 45 20 5 5 15 10 L 100 30 25 30 30 40 30 70 30two log bridges (ATV trail crossings, u/s at 1094), slash between, green frog

14 r, ru 1122 10 1.5 0.2 35 20 5 5 15 20 L 50 50 15 25 25 25 50 25 60 40

15 s 1122+ 300+ 4 0.3 20 5 5 10 50 H 60 40 20 20 20 100 80 15 5 long stillwater

End: Approximately 400m upstream of ATV trail

Start: Wetland approximately 400m upstream of previous wetland; approximately 700 m north/upstream of ATV trail (08/28/01)1 f 120 120 3 0.5 100 H 100 10 20 100 95 5 shrub wetland; extensive

sphagnum in water, cowlilies

2 r 320 200+ 0.6 0.02 30 40 20 5 5 M 90 10 5 15 70 5 20 20 5 30 20 85 10 5 flow dry over at least half the reach, steep, no pools

End: Approximately 400m upstream of ATV trail L:\PROJECTS\DRAFT\008392\[habitat1.xls]Barclay Bk

p=pond r=rockr=riffle s=sandru=run g=gravelpo=pool f=finef=flat b=boulders=still water

as noted

Uni

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Substrate % Site %

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(m)

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Comments

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Vegetation (%) Erosion (%)

Ove

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Stream Banks Pool Criteria

Pool Tail Criteria

Appendix C

Fishing Data


PageC1

Appendix C Electrofishing Spot Checks/Angling Summary

Flintstone Rock Study Area Location Captures Fishing Data

October 26, November 10, 2000 E001 East Barclay Brook

§ brook trout (four approximately 20 cm forklength and one observed similar size)

length fished 50 m x 3 m; 300 machine sec.; volt. 300

Angling East Barclay Pond (DFO)

East Barclay Brook § brook trout (~27 cm forklength)

angled 10 minutes

E002 East Barclay Brook § no captures

length fished 50 m x 2 m; 300 machine sec.; volt. 300

E003 East Barclay Tributary § no captures

length fished 20 m x 1 m; 50 machine sec.; volt.400


length fished 25 m x 2-3 m; 60 machine sec.; volt.300


length fished 75 m x 2-3 m; 150 machine sec; volt.300

E006 Barclay Brook § American eel (approximate

forklength 35 cm) § 2 green frogs

length fished 125 m x 2-3 m; 300 machine sec; volt.300

E007 Barclay Brook § no captures

length fished 30 m x 1-2 m; 60 machine sec.; volt.300

June, August 2001 M1 and M2 Upper Frog Pond

§ no captures 2.5 hours

M3 Outlet to Upper Frog Pond § no captures

2.5 hours

M4 and 5 Lower Frog Pond (inlet area) § no captures

3 traps, 1 house

A1 (DFO) Upper Frog Pond § no captures

angled approximately 2 x 45 minutes

A2 (DFO) Upper Frog Pond Outlet Tributary § brook trout (~ 15 cm)

angled approximately 5 minutes

A3 (DFO) Lower Frog Pond § no captures


A4 (DFO) Clyde River (downstream Route 203) § no captures


A5 (DFO) Clyde River (~SW1) § no captures


Appendix D

Plant Survey Reports

Biological Data Collection Fall 2000, Spring, Summer, Fall 2001 Flintsone Rock Site - Final Report October 2001

Appendix D1

Preliminary Plant and Habitat Survey of Proposed Quartz/Kaolin Mine Site

Location: Flintstone Rock Area - White Rock Mine, Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia

Date of Survey: November 11, 2000

Botanist: Ruth E. Newell, B.Sc. (Hons.), M.Sc.

Introduction:

This survey is preliminary in nature. By November, many plant species become dormant in preparation

for the winter season. The above ground parts of some herbaceous, perennial plants have died back to

ground level. Annuals have simply died and will regenerate from seed in the spring. Most graminoid

species have dropped their seeds rendering identification very difficult. For these reasons, further surveys

will need to be conducted at more appropriate times in the year in order to obtain a more complete listing

of species present in the area slated for development.

Botanical nomenclature used in this report follows Roland's Flora of Nova Scotia (Zinck, 1998).

Results:

The Shelburne Barrens are listed as a "Site of Significance" by the Nova Scotia Department of the

Environment. This area has significant ecological features as well as significant plant species (Department

of the Environment Report, 1998).

No rare plant species were observed during this preliminary survey. However, due to the lateness of the

survey (as discussed above), it was not possible to get a detailed listing of plant species present on the

proposed mine site. The purpose of this particular survey was to identify where possible species of

interest occur and to determine the various habitats present on site so that field efforts next spring/summer

could be more efficiently focussed on habitats with higher potential for rare species.

The various habitats observed during the survey and a brief listing of species found in each are provided

below.

Huckleberry-Lambkill Barren:

A predominant element of the landscape in the Shelburne Barrens is the Huckleberry-lambkill barren.

This habitat is composed primarily of shrubs (1 m in height or greater) with a sprinkling of small trees

and scattered boulders. The predominant shrubs are Gaylussacia baccata (Huckleberry) and Kalmia

angustifolia (Lambkill). Other shrub species occurring in this habitat include Ilex glabra (Inkberry),

Aronia prunifolia (Chokeberry), Viburnum nudum (Wild Raisin) and Hamamelis virginiana (Witchhazel).


Appendix D2

Herbaceous species are limited in this particular habitat. A stand of Pinus banksiana (Jack Pine) was

observed near the test kaolin pit.

Lichen-Bearberry-Broom Crowberry Barren:

Interspersed throughout the huckleberry-lambkill barrens, is a second type of barren. This is the Lichen-

Bearberry-Broom Crowberry Barren. Predominant species are Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry),

Corema conradii (Broom Crowberry) and lichen species, in particular Cladonia spp.. Bearberry and

Broom Crowberry are low, woody shrubs. A variety of herbaceous species including a number of grasses

also occur in this particular habitat.

Treed Brook and Stream Valleys (e.g. East Barclay Brook):

These are small, rocky, treed brook valleys with Acer rubrum (Red Maple) being one of the main tree

species present. A variety of shrubs, herbaceous flowering species and ferns are also present.

Species observed in this habitat include the following:

Abies balsamea (Balsam Fir)

Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leatherleaf)

Coptis trifolia (Goldthread)

Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry)

Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Hay-scented Fern)

Epigaea repens (Mayflower)

Gaultheria procumbens (Teaberry)

Hamamelis virginiana (Witchhazel)

Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern)

Picea sp. (spruce)

Pinus strobus (White Pine)

Rhododendron canadense (Rhodora)

Solidago spp. (Goldenrod species)

Thelypteris sp. (fern)

Trientalis borealis (Star Flower)

Viburnum cassinoides (Wild Raisin)

Lichens

Mosses


Appendix D3

Shrub Bogs:

Shrub bogs are fairly common in the Shelburne Barrens. These bogs are dominated by shrub species that

form a rather uniform covering over the wetland. Species observed in this habitat type during this survey

include the following:

Alnus incana (Speckled Alder)

Aronia sp. (Chokeberry)

Calamagrostis canadensis (Blue-joint)

Carex spp. (sedges)


Gaylussacia baccata (Huckleberry)

Ilex glabra (Inkberry)

Kalmia angustifolia (Lambkill, Sheep Laurel)

Kalmia polifolia (Bog Laurel)

Myrica gale (Sweet Gale)


Solidago uliginosa (Bog Goldenrod)

Sphagnum spp. (Sphagnum Moss)

Spiraea alba (Meadowsweet)

Viburnum nudum (Wild Raisin, Witherod)

Fens:

Fens appear to be less common than bogs in the survey area. A number of Carex species were observed in

this wetland type. Due to the lateness of the season, however, we were unable to identify these to species

with any degree of certainty. One fen was examined in the vicinity of the east boundary of the property.

Species observed include the following:

Alnus incana (Speckled Alder)

Calamagrostis sp. (Blue-joint)

Carex spp. (sedge species)


Drosera sp. (Sundew)

Eriophorum sp. (Cottongrass)



Lycopodiella inundata (Bog Clubmoss)


Appendix D4


Picea mariana (Black Spruce)

Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken)


Triadenum fraseri (Marsh St. John's-wort)

Vaccinium macrocarpon (Large Cranberry)

Red Maple Swamps:

A number of treed bogs/swamps were observed during the survey. The predominant tree species present

in most cases was Acer rubrum (Red Maple). Picea mariana (Black Spruce) was also present to a lesser

extent. Extensive stands of Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) were observed in some of these

woods.

The species observed in this habitat during this survey are listed below:

Acer rubrum (Red Maple)

Carex trisperma (sedge)

Coptis trifolia (Goldthread)


Ilex verticillata (Canada Holly)


Ledum groenlandicum (Labrador-tea)

Mitchella repens (Partridge-berry)

Myrica gale (Sweet Gale)

Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinammon Fern)

Picea mariana (Black Spruce)

Sarracenia purpurea (Pitcher Plant)

Solidago elliottii (Goldenrod)


Viburnum nudum (Wild Raisin, Witherod)

Pond and Pond (Riparian) Edges:

Lower Frog Pond is a small pond located in the southern section of the study area. The edges of this pond

vary from rock/boulder to peat. The vegetation types found along the pond edge vary from shrub to sedge.

Species found along the pond edge as well as aquatic vegetation occurring in the pond near the shoreline

are as follows:


Appendix D5

Eriocaulon aquaticum (Pipewort)





Triadenum fraseri (Marsh St.John's-wort)

Juncus effusus (Soft Rush)

Lysimachia terrestris (Swamp Candle)

Juncus canadensis (rush)

Utricularia geminiscapa (Bladderwort)

Carex bullata (sedge)

Scirpus subterminalis (bulrush)

Nuphar variegata (Cow-lily)

Carex sp. (sedge)


References Cited:

MacKinnon, D. 1998. Re-evaluation of the Shelburne Barrens as a Site of Ecological Significance. Nova

Scotia Department of the Environment (formerly NSDNR), Protected Areas Division.

Zinck, Marian. 1998 Roland's Flora of Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia Museum and Nimbus Publishing,

Halifax, N.S.

1

Field Report Site: Flintstone Rock, White Rock Mine, Yarmouth Co., Nova Scotia Date of survey: July 7, 2001 Botanist: Ruth E. Newell

The purpose of this fieldwork was to supplement a previous botanical survey conducted late in the growing season of the previous year (Nov. 11, 2000) at this site. The following habitat types were examined on July 7th, 2001: Huckleberry-Lambkill barren, Lichen-Bearberry-Broom Crowberry barren, treed brook valley (East Barclay Brook), and Red Maple swamp . Additional plant species observed for these habitats that were not reported for the November 11th, 2000 field survey due to the lateness of the season, are listed below. Huckleberry-Lambkill Barren Bartonia virginica (Bartonia)* Platanthera blephariglottis (White Fringed Orchid) Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken Fern) Spiranthes lacera (Northern Slender Ladies’-tresses) Lichen-Bearberry-Broom Crowberry Barren Danthonia spicata (Poverty Grass) Hudsonia ericoides (Hudsonia)** Melampyrum lineare (Cow-wheat) Panicum lanuginosum (Panic Grass) East Barclay Brook (treed brook valley) Cypripedium acaule (Pink Lady’s-slipper) Medeola virginiana (Indian Cucumber Root) Red Maple Swamp Gaylussacia baccata (Huckleberry) Listera australis (Southern Twayblade)*** Smilacina trifolia (Three-leaved False Solomon’s-seal) Thelypteris simulata (Massachusetts Fern)** Trientalis borealis (Star-flower) *Bartonia virginica is listed in Argus & Pryer (1990) and Pronych & Wilson (1993), as rare in Nova Scotia. GPS co-ordinates and other information about the population at Flintstone Rock are given in a July 16th , 2001 e-mail to Karen March.

2

**Hudsonia ericoides and Thelypteris simulata are part of the Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora and are ranked as yellow species by the Atlantic Coastal Plain Flora Recovery Team (http://conservation.acadiau.ca/coastalplainflora/) and adopted by NSDNR. Yellow species are species known to be, or believed to be, particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events. At Flintstone Rock, Thelypteris simulata was located in a Red Maple swamp in the vicinity of tin marker 3L0-29+75E. Hudsonia ericoides is sparsely distributed to uncommon in Lichen-Bearberry-Broom Crowberry habitat at Flintstone Rock. This species tends to occur in disturbed edges of this habitat. ***Listera australis is ranked as nationally imperilled because of rarity by Argus & Pryer (1990). Locations and a habitat description for this species at Flintstone Rock are given in a July 16th, 2001 e-mail to Karen March. References Cited: Argus, G. W. and K. M. Pryer. 1990. Rare Vascular Plants of Canada. Ottawa: Canadian Museum of Nature. 199 pp. + maps. Pronych, G. and A. A.Wilson. 1993. Rare Vascular Plants of Nova Scotia. Halifax: Nova Scotia Museum. 2 vols. 331 pp.

A Report on the Flintstone Rocks Field Trip Monday July 25/2001 Heather Stewart

The scope of this trip was to check for presence/absence of additional populations of southern twayblade (Listera australis). This species has a Grank of G4 and an NS rank of S1. The best season to inventory this plant is June to early July (early to full flower) so the population is definitely not at its best in terms of getting accurate population estimates. The plants are located in an east –west trending series of red maple (Acer rubrum)swales. The understorey shrub component is made up of False Holly (Nemopanthus mucronata) and Witherod (Viburnum cassinoides). The orchid is most often located in the shade of cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), the dominant ground cover is a moist layer of sphagnum moss. Associated herbaceous species include Vaccinium sp.(blueberry), gold thread (Coptis trifolia), pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea) and scattered three leaved Solomon’s seal (Smilacina trifolia). In surveying the area for additional the other east–west trending swales adjacent to the ones where the plants were additionally identified were visited. This included swales on the north and south side of the baseline. The swales were located at the marker 36 and marker 30 along the baseline. At marker 30 a fern filled swale continued on the north side of the baseline this was the head of the inflow to the Frog Pond (small pond). This had the right overstorey components but lacked the shrub component. It turned out to be increasingly wetter on the north side. On the south side, there were several more plants located approximately 15 meters from the trail. Continuing along this swale in a northwest direction the swale followed a stream and the area was very wet. No plants were found here. At the first location at marker 36 along the baseline the plants were scattered throughout the swale and south of the baseline scattered plants were found but none were located beyond 20 meters from the baseline. The swale was trending along the stream leading into Rocky Lake. This area may have more plants earlier in the season but the lack of plants may be due to the lateness of the season. North of the baseline the swale seemed to become too densely shrubby. Uncorrected locations of main locations from Garmin GPS were 1/ N 44°° 03.182

W 065°° 35.829@ 13:02:36 2/ N 44°° 03.011

W065°° 36.240 @ 14:49:31 3/ N 44°° 03.027

W 065°° 36.236 @15:03:09

1

Flintstone Rocks Early Fall Wetland Assessment Date of Survey: Sept.3 and 5/01 Location: White Rock Mine, Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia Botanist: Heather Stewart, B.Sc., M.Sc.

Purpose: An earlier spring site visit by Ruth Newell indicated that this study site might be a candidate area to watch for late flowering species such as rare coastal plain species and species of the Orchidaceae. The late summer is also a better time to check for wetland species as they have a tendency to flower later than most terrestrial species. The area targeted in this survey, are wetlands immediately adjacent to the baseline and to the north of the baseline or the ATV trail. The Botanical Nomenclature used in this report follows Roland’s Flora of Nova Scotia (Zinck, 1998). In two allotted days, wetlands from those immediately adjacent to the pit site to the wetlands on the edge of the frog pond were surveyed. Wetland 11 The first small wetland closest to the pit area is immediately adjacent to the ATV trail and north of it between markers 62 - 64 is a very small shrub bog with signs of disturbance digging and garbage. This compact shrub bog is fairly close to highway 203 and there is indications that it is slightly more disturbed and drier with some lichens along the edge. There is no associated water channel through this bog. On scattered hummocks, there are Viburnum nudum (Witherod), Rhododendron canadense (Rhodora) and Aronia arbutifolia (Red Chokeberry). Dominant shrub species throughout the bog is Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leatherleaf) making a low dense cover over a drier Sphagnum lichen sp. substrate. There are scattered graminoids such as Eriophorum virginicum (Tawny Cotton-grass), and Carex sricta (Sedge). Where disturbance has opened the shrub layer there is a small patch of surface water and open peat. In the water Utricularia geminiscapa (Bladderwort) is mixed with green algae. Along the edge of this pool, Carex trisperma (Three-seeded Sedge) as well as Panicum spretum, Carex cumulata, Drosera rotundifolia, Juncus effusus and Scirpus cyperinus are scattered. Along the disturbed end of the bog at the edge there are stalks of tall Plantanthera (56 cm tall) (Northern Bog orchid) species. Species list: Alnus incana (Speckled Alder) Amelanchier bartramiana (Mountain Serviceberry) Andromeda glaucophylla (Bog-rosemary) Aronia arbutifolia (Red Chokeberry) Calamagrostis canadensis (Canada Bluejoint) Carex cumulata (Sedge) Carex stricta (Sedge)

2

Carex trisperma (Three-seeded sedge) Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leatherleaf) Drosera rotundifolia(Round-leaved Sundew) Eriophorum virginicum (Tawny Cotton-grass) Gaylussacia baccata (Huckleberry) Ilex glabra (Inkberry) Juncus effusus (Soft Rush) Kalmia angustifolia (Lambkill) Kalmia polifolia (Bog Laurel) Lysymachia terrestris (Swamp Candle) Myrica gale (Sweet gale) Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive Fern) Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern) Panicum spretum Platanthera sp.(Northern Bog orchid) Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken Fern) Rhododendron canadense (Rhodora) Rubus hispidus (Dewberry) Solidago uliginosa (Bog Goldenrod) Sphagnum sp.(Sphagnum moss) Utricularia geminiscapa (Bladderwort) Viburnum nudum (Witherod) Site A (Along East Barclay Brook ~ 100 m downstream ATV trail) At the marker 60 + 25, a very small shrub bog is located at the base of a very steep slope from the barren top to open water (approx. 20-30 meters across). The steep slopes go from open barren through dry shrub slope of Amelanchier bartramiana (Mountain Serviceberry) Rhododendron canadense (Rhodora), Gaylussacia baccata (Huckleberry),and scattered Prunus virgniana (Chokecherry) with occasional Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern) down to waters edge. A dense ring of Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leatherleaf) surrounds the pond. Most of the edge on the north east side is made up of large shrub covered boulders. At the disturbed edge of this pond in the peaty mud Calamagrostis canadensis (Canada Bluejoint) is scattered as well as Carex bullata (Sedge) and Drosera intermedia (Narrow-leaved Sundew). In the water, floating mats of Sphagnum were observed as well as one leaf from Nuphar variegata (Cow-lily). Species list: Alnus incana (Speckled Alder) Amelanchier bartramiana (Mountain Serviceberry) Aronia arbutifolia (Red Chokeberry) Calamagrostis canadensis (Canada Bluejoint) Carex cumulata (Sedge) Carex trisperma (Three-seeded sedge) Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leatherleaf) Drosera intermedia (Narrow-leaved Sundew)

3

Gaylussacia baccata (Huckleberry) Ilex glabra (Inkberry) Lysymachia terrestris (Swamp Candle) Myrica gale (Sweet gale) Nuphar variegata (Cow-lily) Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern) Rhododendron canadense (Rhodora) Rubus hispidus (Dewberry) Smilicina trifolia (Three-leaved False Solomon's seal) Solidago uliginosa (Bog Goldenrod) Sphagnum sp.(Sphagnum moss) Utricularia geminiscapa (Bladderwort) Viburnum nudum (Witherod) Wetland 8 At line 58 just north 50 m where the ATV trail crosses the streambed, the stream winds through a shrub fen. There is some evidence of disturbance immediately above the trail where ATV's have crossed the stream bed. This has opened the bank of the stream and in this disturbed edge Juncus effusus (Soft Rush) scattered Calamagrostis canadensis (Canada Bluejoint) and Carex bullata (Sedge) grew in the rocky peaty substrate. In the water a mix of Utricularia geminiscapa (Bladderwort) and Sphagnum floated. Elsewhere along the channel there is a dense coverage of Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leatherleaf) inhibiting most herbaceous growth along the bank. Throughout the shrub fen, Leatherleaf dominates with other scattered species including Myrica gale (Sweet gale), Rhododendron canadense (Rhodora) Kalmia angustifolia (Lambkill), and Viburnum nudum (Witherod). Scattered throughout the fen is the leaf blades of Carex stricta (Sedge). Species list: Alnus incana (Speckled Alder) Amelanchier bartramiana (Mountain Serviceberry) Aronia arbutifolia (Red Chokeberry) Calamagrostis canadensis (Canada Bluejoint) Carex bullata (Sedge) Carex stricta (Sedge) Carex trisperma (Three-seeded sedge) Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leatherleaf) Drosera rotundifolia(Round-leaved Sundew) Eriophorum virginicum (Tawny Cotton-grass) Gaylussacia baccata (Huckleberry) Ilex glabra (Inkberry) Juncus effusus (Soft Rush) Kalmia angustifolia (Lambkill) Myrica gale (Sweet gale) Rhododendron canadense (Rhodora) Rubus hispidus (Dewberry)

4

Solidago uliginosa (Bog Goldenrod) Sphagnum girgensohnii(Sphagnum moss) Utricularia geminiscapa (Bladderwort) Vaccinium oxycoccus (Small Cranberry) Viburnum nudum (Witherod) Wetland 19 Wetland at marker # 44 bridge crossing is adjacent to the ATV trail north of the Tie-in rock with flagging tape. This wetland is a shrub fen with a narrow channel running through it. The sides are sloped leading into the fen and across the fen, a transect of unmarked posts mark a straight line. This shrub fen is similar to the previous fen and has less diversity. The sphagnum moss substrate floats along the edge of the channel and Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leatherleaf) dominates the shrub component right up to the waters edge. No aquatic vegetation is evident floating in the water. This has no hummock formation and appears to be the most homogeneous shrub fen encountered. Carex stricta is scattered throughout. Species list: Amelanchier bartramiana (Mountain Serviceberry) Aronia arbutifolia (Red Chokeberry) Carex stricta (Sedge) Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leatherleaf) Gaylussacia baccata (Huckleberry) Kalmia angustifolia (Lambkill) Myrica gale (Sweet gale) Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken Fern) along the edge Rhododendron canadense (Rhodora) Rubus hispidus (Dewberry) Sphagnum sp.(Sphagnum moss) Viburnum nudum (Witherod) Wetland 23 At the baseline marker # 39 just above the bridge crossing, another small shrub fen parallels the stream-channel. The component species are the same as previous fens but the substrate is a quaking Sphagnum base and there appears to be more nutrient movement through the fen. There are scattered Carex stricta (sedge)and Eriophorum virginicum (Tawny Cotton-grass). On the surface of the Sphagnum, Vaccinium oxycoccus (Small Cranberry) and Drosera rotundifolia (Round-leaved Sundew) are part of the herbaceous undergrowth. The only difference between this and the previous fen is the presence of Alnus incana (Alder) at the upstream end as the stream channel narrows and the slopes are steep into the channel. The shrub component changes to Alder with some Acer rubrum (Red maple).

5

Wetland 28,30 The last wetland surveyed is the one around the Lower Frog Pond at baseline marker 20 - 22. This shrub fen has no evidence of disturbance other than the cut baseline and ATV trails are not visible. This fen has two sources of inflow and runs linearly along these as well as around the pond. The dominant shrub component is Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leatherleaf), Gaylussacia baccata (Huckleberry), Myrica gale (Sweet gale)and Rhododendron canadense (Rhodora), Kalmia angustifolia (Lambkill) and Ledum groelandicum (Labrador-tea). There are some scattered rocks along the lake edge and in the west inflow channel as well as along the south shore Calamagrostis canadensis (Bluejoint) grows in shallow water where shrubs have not colonized up to the water line. Utricularia sp.(Bladderwort) grows along the shallow edge of the shoreline but is not in flower at the time of survey. There is some reason to believe that Utricularia subulata is also located in this pond as a small section of stem pulled out of the water had a few cleistogamous flowers but no extensive sections were found at the time of survey. In the shallow water there is also, Eriocaulon aquaticum (Pipewort), Subularia aquatica (Awlwort) and Nuphar variegata (Cow-lily). Triadenum virginicum (Marsh St. John's-wort), Drosera intermedia (Narrow-leaved Sundew) was collected from the shoreline as well as Carex bullata (Sedge), Lysimachia terrestris (Swamp Candle) and Juncus canadensis (Canada Rush). Carex stricta (Sedge) is scattered throughout the fen and several dried stalks of Platanthera were found. These were most likely from Platanthera clavellata (Northern Club-spur). Along the baseline leading into the fen there are scattered Alnus viridis (Downy Alder), Ilex glabra (Inkberry) Aronia arbutifolia (Red Chokeberry), and Viburnum nudum (Witherod) Species list: Alnus viridis (Downy Alder) Andromeda glaucophylla (Bog-rosemary) Aronia arbutifolia(Red Chokeberry) Calamagrostis canadensis (Canada Bluejoint) Carex bullata (Sedge) Carex stricta (Sedge) Chamaedaphne calyculata (Leatherleaf) Drosera intermedia(Narrow-leaved Sundew) Eriocaulon aquaticum (Pipewort) Eriophorum virginicum (Tawny Cotton-grass) Gaylussacia baccata (Huckleberry) Ilex glabra (Inkberry) Juncus canadensis (Soft Rush) Kalmia angustifolia (Lambkill) Kalmia polifolia (Bog Laurel) Lysimachia terrestris (Swamp Candle) Myrica gale (Sweet gale) Nuphar variegata (Cow-lily) Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern) Platanthera clavellata (Northern Club-spur) Rhododendron canadense (Rhodora)

6

Rubus hispidus (Dewberry) Solidago uliginosa (Bog Goldenrod) Sphagnum sp.(Sphagnum moss) Subularia aquatica (Awlwort) Triadenum virginicum (Marsh St. John's-wort) Utricularia geminiscapa (Bladderwort) Utricularia subulata (Bladderwort) Viburnum nudum (Witherod) Rare species: The only rare species encountered was the Utricularia subulata encountered at Lower Frog Pond. The section found was too small to be conclusive. No sample was collected at this time but this pond should be periodically be monitored for this species. In addition, the gravel bank above the test pit is being checked by an orchid expert to determine whether the Spiranthes species present are Spiranthes casei and Spiranthes ochreoleuca. Spiranthes casei is considered rare in Nova Scotia by Maher et al.(1978), Spiranthes ochreoleuca is considered nationally imperiled by Argus and Pryer(1990).

Appendix E

Fauna Field Survey Reports

Biological Data Collection Fall, 2000, Spring/Summer 2001 Flintstone Rock Site - Final Report October 2001

Appendix E1

Wildlife Observations - Fall 2000, Summer 2001

Animal Species Observation

Herpetiles

Eastern American

toad

Bufo americanus

americanus

1-in barrens area adjacent trail

1-Barclay Brook d/s ATV trail

Northern spring

peeper

Pseudocaris crucifer

crucifer

Heard during bird survey in Barclay Brooks area

Green frog Rana clamitans

melanota

Numerous in all watercourses

Pickerel frog Rana palustris 1 - East Barclay Brook

Garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis

palludula

Several - barrens area and wooded area west of

Barclay Brook

Green snake Liochlorophis vernalis

borealis

1 - heath adjacent Lower Frog Pond

Mammals

Snowshoe hare Lepus americanus Scat observed throughout

1 - in barrens area

Eastern chipmunk Tamias striatus Several in wooded area west of Barclay Brook

Red squirrel Tamiasciurus

hudsonicus

Wooded areas throughout

Beaver Castor Canadensis Tree cuttings in Upper Frog Pond area

Dams along East Barclay Brook

Red-backed vole Clethrionomys gapperi 1 - in shrub adjacent Lower Frog Pond

Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus Probable cuttings in East Barclay Brook bog area

Common porcupine Erethizon dorsatum Bark removal in semi-barrens

Eastern coyote Canis latrans Scat throughout

Red fox Vulpes vulpes Scat throughout

American black bear Ursus americanus Probable scat in wooded area west of Barclay Brook

Bobcat Lynx rufus Scat throughout

White-tailed deer Odocoileus

virginianus

Scat throughout

Note: Birds are listed separately

Breeding Birds Known for the Flintstone Rock General Area and Field Survey Observations

MBCA1

Bird

Species

Known

Breeding Within 10

km

Nesting Habitat

(nesting season for wetland species)

Occurrence During

Breeding Survey (June 10, 2001)

At Risk Status

Y

Common Loon

Gavia immer

possible

lake shorelines

NSDNR Yellow

Y

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

possible

colonies, in trees

Y

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

probable

ground near water/wetland (April-July)

Y

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

probable

hollow trees, cliffs or low branches near water

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

nest tree, near water

1 FO

Northern Harrier

Circus cyaneus

possible

open areas

sparse

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

typically spruce trees

sparse

Ruffed Grouse

Bonasa umbellus

known

coniferous forest

Y

Common Snipe

Gallinago gallinago

possible

ground, sedge clumps

Y

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

dense broad leaf forests and swamps (early Apr-June)

sparse 1 heard in gravel pit area

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virgininianus

use large hawk or crow nest

1 feeding on road kill at Clyde River

Barred Owl

Strix varia

probable

cavity trees, nest boxes

Long-eared Owl

Asio otus

woodlands

1 heard toward Lower Frog Pond, likely feeding

NSDNR Yellow

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Aegolius acadicus

probable

cavity nester - woodpecker holes

2 heard in western portion of site

Y

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

possible

open ground, cutovers, buildings

Y

Whip-poor-will

Caprimulgus vociferus

hardwood forests

not confirmed

Y

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

possible

nest in hardwoods

Y

Downey Woodpecker

Picoides pubescens

possible

cavity snags

sparse

Y

Hairy Woodpecker

Picoides villosus

possible

cavities

sparse

Y

Northern Flicker

Colaptes auratus

possible

cavities

common

Y

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus borealis

probable

forest edge

common

Y

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Conotopus virens

probable

open forest

Y

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

probable

ground in conifer moss


MBCA1

Bird

Species

Known

Breeding Within 10

km

Nesting Habitat


Occurrence During


At Risk Status

Y

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

probable

low in shrubbery (early June-Aug)

common

Y

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

broad-leafed woods

common

Y

Eastern Phoebe

Sayormis phoebe

near water, hardwoods, often nest on bridges, banks

1 at road (flew toward Clyde River)

Y

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

possible

cavities, nest boxes

common observed feeding

Y

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

banks and cliffs

sparse feeding near road

Y

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

buildings, caves, cliffs

2

Gray Jay

Perisoreus canadensis

known

mature conifers

sparse

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

known

trees

sparse

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

possible

trees

Common Raven

Corvus corax

trees, cliffs, old buildings

sparse

Y

Black-capped Chickadee

Parus atricapillus

known

nest cavities in rotted tree stumps

common

Y

Boreal Chickadee

Parus hudsonicus

nest cavities in rotted tree stumps

common

Y

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

possible

excavated from dead trees

Y

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

known

cavitity nester, broad-leafed trees

Y

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

known

coniferous forest

common

Y

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Regulus calendula

known

conifers

common

Y

Veery

Catharus fuscescens

possible

ground

Y

Swainson�s Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

possible

tree

abundant

Y

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

known

ground

abundant

Y

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

known

everywhere (mid Apr-Aug)

common

Y

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

probable

open woods

sparse

European Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

enclosed

Y

Solitary Vireo (Blue-headed)

Vireo solitarius

known

forest

common

Y

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

probable

forest

sparse

Y

Nashville Warbler

Vermivora ruficapilla

possible

open woods/shrubs

sparse


MBCA1

Bird

Species

Known

Breeding Within 10

km

Nesting Habitat


Occurrence During


At Risk Status

Y

Northern Parula Warbler

Parula americana

probable

bearded lichen in conifer

sparse

Y

Yellow Warbler

Dendroica petechia

shrubs, especially near streams (mid May-Aug)

sparse

Y

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Dendroica pensylvanica

known

low shrubs, raspberries (end May-Aug)

common

Y

Magnolia Warbler

Dendroica magnolia

known

conifers

abundant

Y

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Dendroica caerulescens

known

broad-leafed woodlands

sparse

Y

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Dendroica coronata

known

forest with conifers

common

Y

Black-throated Green Warbler

Dendroica virens

probable

mixed or coniferous forest

common

Y

Blackburnian Warbler

Dendroica fusca

probable

conifers

Y

Palm Warbler

Dendroica palmarum

known

shrub bogs (mid May-Aug)

abundant

Y

Bay-breasted Warbler

Dendroica castanea

possible

conifers

Y

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

probable

ground among tree roots

common

Y

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

known

small trees

common

Y

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapillus

ground

1

Y

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

known

brushy areas (mid May-Aug)

extremely abundant

Y

Canada Warbler

Wilsonia canadensis

mature to mid aged forest

sparse

Y

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

probable

grass, sedge

Y

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

known

shrubs (May-Aug)

sparse

Y

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

known

wetlands with tall shrubby vegetation

very abundant

Y

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

probable

ground at forest edge (mid May-Aug)

abundant

Y

Dark-eyed Junco

Junco hyemalis

known

forest edge (early May-Aug)

very abundant

Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

marshes with cattail and shrub (May-Aug)

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

known

wetlands (May-July)


MBCA1

Bird

Species

Known

Breeding Within 10

km

Nesting Habitat


Occurrence During


At Risk Status

Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula trees, bushes, buildings in open areas

Y

Purple Finch

Carpodacus purpureus

possible

conifers

common (FO)

Y

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

possible

conifers

sparse (FO)

Y

White-winged Crossbill

Loxia leucoptera

conifers

2 feeding near road

Y

Pine Siskin

Carduelis pinus

conifers

1 (FO)

Y

American Goldfinch

Carduelis tristis

possible

open

Additional Birds Observed in June 18 1998 Survey; 7 habitats in Shelburne Barrens (Hagreen 1999)

Y

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

marsh, clumps of sedge, sweetgale or leatherleaf

Spruce Grouse

Dendragapus canadensis

ground, spruce forest

Y

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularia

ground in open areas

Y

Grey Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

shrubbery, typically in broad leafed area

Y

Blackpoll Warbler

Dendroica striata

spruce forests, coastal or elevated areas

Y

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

edges and open woodlands

1 protected under Migratory Birds Convention Act Legend (Estimated Numbers for Study Area): Sparse 1-10 Common 10 - 100 Abundant 100-500 Very Abundant over 500 Extremely Abundant over 1000 FO Fly over June 10, 2001 Survey Conducted by Fulton Lavender Source of Breeding Data: Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces, Erskine, A. 1992. Nimbus Publishing and NSM Source for Additional Bird Data: Survey of the Shelburne Barrens Candidate Nature Reserve and the Environmental Impacts of Kaolinite Mining, Hagreen, L. 1999. Dalhousie University

Appendix F

Wetland Airphotos

Flintstone Rock Wetlands

Wetland 6 Wetland 8

Wetland 11 Wetland 19

NSDNR Air Photographs June, July 2000Wetland 22

Wetland 8

Appendix G

Nova Scotia Museum Screening

Appendix H

Moose Data

Appendix I

NSDNR Raptor Guidelines

appendix e biological data collection reports - dillon

Documents